From December 20, 2013 through January 5, 2014, officers from the Champaign Police Department will be out in force as part of the annual Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on intoxicated drivers. The statewide crackdown will include high-visibility alcohol and belt enforcement throughout the Champaign area.

The statewide crackdown will also be supported by national and state paid advertising creating a comprehensive campaign to curb intoxicated driving during the holiday season.

The Champaign Police Department said its officers will be actively looking for intoxicated drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving intoxicated. In addition, front and back seat belt law violators will be ticketed.

The Champaign Police Department is giving fair warning to all motorists. “You’ll see us conducting many traffic stops during this highly visible enforcement period and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will enforce local and state laws,” said Sgt. Joe Ketchem.

National data shows the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of intoxicated drivers on the roads, and the Champaign Police Department is prepared to stop and arrest any intoxicated drivers that they encounter. Intoxicated drivers could face jail time, loss of their driver’s license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, etc.

“The December holiday season is the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ and we are going to keep our roads safe for travelers heading to visit friends and family,” said Sgt. Joe Ketchem.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.